Reviews and Comments

Orlion

Orlion@books.theunseen.city

Joined 2 years, 2 months ago

I like a wide variety of books but do prefer fiction written with style! I am hoping to get some reading caught up on, including finishing some science fiction and fantasy trilogies, as well as the novels of William Golding and Anthony Powell.

For 2023, I might finally start Proust, what with the new translation being completely available this year!

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G. K. Chesterton: The Innocence of Father Brown (Paperback, 2004, Wildside Press) 3 stars

G.K. Chesterton was an English writer often referred to as "the prince of paradox." Chesterton …

Welp, I gave Chesterton Another Chance

4 stars

Can't really blame him for my refusal to read him, though. Had a bad experience with a Russian Orthodox constantly invoking him instead of engaging in actual discussion.

But those were almost certainly from Chesterton's apologetic works and this was fiction! Fun detective stories of theft and murder!

All the stories were mostly enjoyable and minimal blackface and n-wording were to be found. Aside from that, Chesterton does seem to try a bit hard to be witty at times and it comes off as...forced? For a specific audience that doesn't think much about atheists, feminists, Scottish Presbyterians and the French? Like if you don't like one of those, you'll laugh when he does his "Calvinists, amirite?" bit and probably slap your knee to help control your hooting and hollering, ya uncultured plebian! Why don't you stick with your fart jokes instead of lying to yourself? You aren't fooling anybody, you …

reviewed The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (Harvest in translation)

Umberto Eco: The Name of the Rose (1994, Harcourt Brace) 4 stars

It is the year 1327. Franciscans in an Italian abbey are suspected of heresy, but …

The Name of the Rose is Harold!

5 stars

Big surprise, I loved this book. It was an entertaining yarn with humor and poignancy, insight and farce, accessible mystery and esoteric theology!

It is interesting that I read it now instead of years ago when I bought it. In that time between purchase and reading, I have read other works that prepared me for this!

Some books truly are better further along in one's reading career

Darcie Little Badger: A Snake Falls to Earth (2021, Levine Querido) 4 stars

Nina is a Lipan girl in our world. She's always felt there was something more …

An excellent second book

5 stars

It's amazing how different in feel this book is compared to Darcie's first book Elatsoe. It is incredible that this book is just as good, showing Darcie has a wide range in her writing.

There are some similarities between the two. Both feature supportive family members, characters are reasonably competent based on age and characteristics, and the conflict arises naturally from the world (or in the case of this book, worlds) the characters inhabit.

Drama is not the driving force here, which is always refreshing. And the structure being that of what appears to be loosely connected stories is a pleasant experience that would probably adapt well to an audio version.

Aside from that, there's not much else I can say. Except one should certainly read this novel!

Matthew Braly, Adam ás, Catharina Sukiman, TOKYOPOP: Marcy's Journal - a Guide to Amphibia (2022, TOKYOPOP, Incorporated) 5 stars

This faithful recreation of Marcy's journal chronicles her adventures in Amphibia. Packed to the brim …

A Fun Read for fans of Amphibia

5 stars

This book basically does what it should do: supplement the experience of watching Amphibia.

Well, after watching it, I should specify.

Some context is given and you learn of Marcy Wu's adventures before she shows up in the show. As well as some other tidbits. The art is enjoyable and contributes to the experience.

It should be noted that as it supplements and enhances one's enjoyment of the show, nothing in the book is strictly "necessary". Which is honestly how it should be, it should not overshadow the show.

So basically, if you loved Amphibia and are a fan of Marcy Wu (which if you like the show, I don't see how you wouldn't be) it is worth checking out this book!